My mate Jane has asked for recipes using chutney as she keeps getting bottles of the stuff as gifts (sorry about that!) and doesn’t know what to do with it. I’ve come up with loads of recipes as I make soooooo much chutney and (short of giving it to Jane) I had to come up with uses for it. Should you be doing nothing this festive season, you will find me at various Christmas markets around the Gers with piles of Barbie dolls clothes (don’t ask) and yes, you guessed, chutney…

CHUTNEY - WHAT IS IT?
(Taken from the book “The complete South African Book of Food and Cookery” written by Sannie Smit and Margaret Fulton)
“This word (chutney) is derived from the Hindustani (word) “chatni”, which describes a well-seasoned relish or pickle that originated in India. Chutney is the standard accompaniment to curried dishes. It may be made from a mixture of chopped fruits, spices, acids and sugar, cooked slowly until thick, while some chutneys are a combination of fresh fruits, chopped, seasoned and served uncooked. Chutney can also be served with cold meat, cheese or as a sandwich filling.

Cantuccini or biscotti, are a twice-baked cake originating in the Italy. The cakes are large almond biscuits, made dry and crunchy through cutting the loaf of dough while still hot and fresh from baking in the oven and then putting it back in the oven to further dry.

I am often asked to make dessert as I love to cook and most people seem to enjoy what I make. What can I say, perfect in every way…okay so I’ll lay off the bottle a bit. I took this cheesecake over to Sam and Florian’s the other night and everyone enjoyed it so I thought I’d share the recipe with you along with photos, baking tips and party games for old and young.